ParaSound Halo A21 vs Nad M25


Hi Audiogon -

I have a question about the performance of certain amplifiers. The ParaSound Halo A21 vs Nad M25.

Im assuming the ParaSound outperforms the Nad M25 by a mile due to its more wattage output and 1100 damping factor compared to 180 on the Nad. However wanted to get a professional's take on the matter. I have 6 ohm speaker fronts I want to drive to obtain cleaner power, better bass seperation, and better midrange and treble and the sorts. Right now I am using an denon 4308 for pre amp and amp and can tell the denon is pushing to obtain adequate outtage.

Any help on this matter would be helpful. If you need any additional information regarding this issue please ask.

Thanks
parasoundhaloextreme

Showing 1 response by rlwainwright

Eihter one of the amps mentioned will easily out-perform the amps in the Denon. I wouldn't worry too much about the damping factor numbers, once you get past a factor of 100 or so it really doesn't make much difference.

I would consider the efficiency of the speakers and the sound pressure levels you wish to achieve as being more important specs. for you to consider.

As an example, I am driving my Gallo Reference 3.1 speakers (88 db efficiency) with a Butler TDB-5150 5-channel tube amp with 150 watts/channel (into 8 ohms, 225 watts into 4 ohms) and it gets *plenty* loud enough for me.

In fact, you may want to consider buying a Butler for your application, it will provide you with the sweetness of tubes coupled with the "balls" of a MOSFET amp:

http://butleraudio.com/tdb5150.php

Finally, you may want read this whitepaper about amplifier damping factors, it will dispel some common mis-conceptions that many folks have about it:

http://butleraudio.com/Damping1.php

Good luck!

-RW-